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Part 6
Your Safety
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Riding a motorcycle can be great fun and is enjoyed by people of most ages. When
riding you should always remember that you are responsible for your own safety,
relying on other road users to ensure your safety can be a major hazard. Never
rely on other road users to look after you. Even if you are wearing brightly coloured
clothing and making eye contact, do not assume that other road users have seen you.
Riding on the road means accepting responsibility for
your own safety and showing due care and consideration
for all other road users.
One of the most valuable resources you have as a beginner, or someone returning to
riding, is the knowledge and experience of other motorcyclists and driving instructors.
Use it. Ask around when you are considering buying a motorcycle, clothing and
accessories. However, always make sure you balance advice; read up on the subject,
and ask more than one person.
6.1
Actions you can Take to Ensure your Safety
Riding a motorcycle can place you at a higher crash risk or risk of injury than driving
a car. If you are involved in a crash, the chances of being injured are very high. In
addition to complying with legal obligations and driving in accordance with road rules
and regulations, there are measures you can take to increase your own safety when
riding a motorcycle, for example:
••
••
••
••
maintaining concentration at all times;
wearing visible clothing so you can be seen by other road users;
wearing protective clothing; and
riding a roadworthy vehicle.
The focus of this section is on actions that you need to undertake to ensure your own
safety. All these actions are under your control and include maintaining concentration,
managing fatigue, wearing protective clothing, and riding a roadworthy vehicle.
6.1.1
Maintaining Concentration
Your survival on the road depends to a large extent on your concentration. Riders who
do not maintain concentration at all times have longer reaction times, less adequate
observation of the environment, and late and abrupt braking.
You need to be aware that your concentration can be affected by your immediate
environment, your health and/or physical condition, and your ability to process visual
information. Roadside advertisements, other road users, weather conditions, as well
as the monotony of the road are also common factors that can decrease your level of
concentration.
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Examples of major health-related factors that have a significant impact on your ability
to concentrate include the quality of your sleep, the effects of alcohol consumption, as
well as an intake of certain medications.
Riding a motorcycle is much more tiring than driving a car. Before you get on the
road, ensure that you have slept well. Sleep deprivation often leads to fatigue which
significantly increases potential for a crash.
Many people think that sleepiness is the most common sign of fatigue. However, for
riders a lapse in concentration is the major sign of fatigue. It is in your own interest not
to ride if you know you can not concentrate fully. Rider fatigue indicators are:
••
••
••
••
••
••
running a bit wide on a corner;
a couple of rough gear changes;
not seeing a sign;
day dreaming;
dry mouth; and
stiff joints (neck, knees and wrists).
If you have any signs of fatigue, stop immediately and rest.
You can prevent or manage fatigue:
••
••
••
••
••
••
••
Even if you are not tired, stop at least every one and a half hours or 150
kilometres.
Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated.
Avoid coffee or sweet soft drinks.
Do not drink alcohol.
Eat small amounts frequently, simple foods like fruit, nuts, a muesli bar or a little
chocolate.
Avoid fatty foods and large meals before or during a ride.
In winter, don’t make yourself too snug and warm – it is good to be a little cool.
6.1.2
Staying Alcohol and Drug Free
Findings from many studies confirm the adverse effect of alcohol and drugs on
reflexes, coordination, depth perception and risk taking behaviour. Factors that
can determine the extent of adverse effects include age, body weight and food
consumption. Riding under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is one of the most
common causes of crashes involving single or multiple vehicles.
The most significant risks associated with driving under the influence of alcohol and/
or drugs are your mistakes and/or a delay in your response to mistakes of others. Both
situations can seriously compromise your own safety, as well as the safety of other
road users.
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Any drink containing 10 grams of alcohol is called a standard drink.
One standard drink will raise an average person’s BAC by about 0.01 per cent
(grams of alcohol per 100ml of blood), depending upon the factors mentioned.
A measurement of 0.05 per cent BAC means that your body contains 50 milligrams
of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
The Department of Health advises that to stay below 0.05 per cent BAC:
••
••
an average sized, healthy woman
should have no more than one
standard drink in the first hour of
drinking and then no more than one
standard drink per hour after that; and
an average sized, healthy man should
have no more than two standard
drinks in the first hour of drinking,
then no more than one standard drink
per hour after that.
Even if your blood alcohol content (BAC)
is lower than the legal limit, it can still
be detrimental to your ability to process
information from the environment, control
your vehicle, and avoid risks.
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Remember, all novice drivers are restricted to zero BAC.
The minimum penalty for a novice driver with a BAC over 0.0% is a fine and accrual of
demerit points.
6.1.3
Checking the Effect of Medications
Some medications, whether prescribed by a doctor or purchased over the counter, can
impair your safety by causing drowsiness and/or other side effects, such as general
weakness, dizziness or drowsiness.
All these symptoms will slow your reaction in an emergency and affect your
riding skills. Cough mixtures and antihistamines are only a few examples of such
medications.
It is your responsibility to know the effects of any
medication before you commence riding.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist and read the label to make sure the medication
will not affect your riding ability.
If any medication has an effect on your riding ability
you must not ride.
6.1.4
Ensuring you are Seen by Other Road Users
To assist in being seen by other road users, it is recommended that you ride with your
headlight on low beam during the day regardless of the weather conditions. The use of
fluorescent vests and/or reflective protective gear is also recommended, particularly at
night time.
6.1.5
Wearing Protective Gear
As a motorcycle rider you are exposed to the elements and vulnerable to injury much
more than car drivers. Wearing appropriate protective clothing will:
••
••
••
significantly reduce injury in a crash;
protect you from the weather; and
improve your comfort when riding.
Purpose-made motorcycle clothing provides better weather and crash protection than
ordinary clothing. Wearing proper motorcycle gear will almost certainly make you safer
while riding. Some items, such as helmets, are required by law.
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60
Helmet
mustyour
wearpassenger(s)
an Australianmust
and wear
New an
Zealand
Standard
When riding you and
approved
safety(AS/NZS
helmet 1698)
approved helmet.
The standard
hasZealand
been rigorously
amended
in 2006
compliant
with Australian
and New
Standardreviewed
(AS/NZS)and
1698
or United
Nations
and again Commission
in 2009. All Australian
approved
have stickers
that must
Economic
for EuropeStandard
Regulation
No 22 helmets
(UNECE22.05)
as amended.
remain
permanently
affixed
to thehelmets
back of have
the helmet.
must: permanently
All
Australian
Standard
approved
stickersYour
that helmet
must remain
affixed to the back of the helmet.
•
fit comfortably but not too tightly (avoid helmets that fit loosely);
•
have
themust:
chin strap fastened and properly tightened;
Your
helmet
•
be replaced after a crash or a significant impact;
becomfortably
replaced if the
loosehelmets
and/or the
become worn out; and
••• fit
but fittings
not toobecome
tightly (avoid
thatstraps
fit loosely);
only be
withfastened
mild soapy
- some
chemicals and cleaners may
••• have
thecleaned
chin strap
andwater
properly
tightened;
weaken
the shell.
•• be
replaced
after a crash or a significant impact;
•• be replaced if the fittings become loose and/or the straps become worn out; and
You should
buy -asome
second-hand
helmet.
•• only be cleaned
with mildnever
soapy water
chemicals and
cleaners may
weaken the shell.
You should never buy a second-hand helmet.
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Visor or goggles
These will protect your eyes from the wind, dust, rain, insects and stones thrown up
by other vehicles. Visors and goggles must be approved and compliant with Australian
and New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS) 1698 or United Nations Economic Commission
for Europe Regulation No 22 (UNECE22.05) as amended.
Only a visor attached to the helmet or goggles will provide the eye protection
necessary for riding. Some motorcycles have screens or fairings to provide protection
from the weather. These do not provide adequate protection for the eyes and you
should still use a visor or goggles. It is recommended that visors and goggles be
cleaned with soapy water as solvents can damage the surface. Visor and/or goggles
should be:
••
••
••
clean and without scratches (if your visor or goggles become scratched you
should replace them);
shatterproof; and
have clear lenses for use at night.
Jackets and pants
These should be highly abrasion and tear resistant and secured at the wrists, waist
and ankles to prevent sliding up and exposing skin.
Jackets and pants should:
••
••
••
be tailored for a riding position;
completely cover your arms, legs and body; and
have impact and abrasion protection for your back, shoulders, elbows, hips and
knees.
Gloves
Gloves that are specifically designed for motorcycle riding will generally have:
••
••
••
••
a strengthened palm area shaped for riding;
knuckle protection (e.g. an extra layer of leather);
a fastener around the wrist to prevent sliding off (e.g. zipper and Velcro); and
an overlap with the jacket (gauntlet style).
Footwear
Footwear designed for motorcycle riding will provide great comfort and protection.
Motorcycle footwear generally has:
••
••
••
••
••
••
strengthening in the instep between the ball of the foot and the heel;
ankle protection;
shin protection;
a fastener around the leg to prevent sliding off (e.g. zipper and Velcro);
an overlap with the pants (boot style); and
gear change cover to prevent wear.
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Additional protection
Other rider specific protection devices include back protectors to protect your spine in
a crash and kidney belts to support your lower back and reduce fatigue. Dual density
foam is recommended. Be aware about varying standards and prices of protective
clothing. The most important factor for you to consider is the degree of protection from
injury they offer you.
It is a good investment to buy quality protective clothing. You can learn more about
protective clothing from The Good Gear Guide for Motorcycle & Scooter Riders.
Hard copies of this guide are available from DVS centres, regional DoT offices and
participating DVS agents.
6.1.6
Riding a Roadworthy Vehicle
Before you ride you should make sure that your motorcycle is roadworthy.
A roadworthy motorcycle is one that is safe to ride and meets the standards required
by law.
Your motorcycle must have the equipment shown in the diagram.
n A red tail light, a brake light, a rear
reflector and a light to illuminate
your rear number plate.
n An effective
silencer.
n Two rear vision mirrors,
one on each side.
n An efficient headlight
that works correctly
and is properly adjusted.
n Indicators (if your
motorbike was first
licensed on or after
1 January 1969).
n An effective horn
(sirens, bells and
whistles are not allowed).
n Safe tyres with a tread of
at least 1.5 mm.
n Adequate footrests for both driver
and, if pillion seating exists, for the
pillion passenger.
n Efficient brakes that will allow
you to stop promptly.
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66
Your motorcycle must not have:
••• any ornament or fitting that may cause an
injury
a crash;
injury
in aincrash;
••• any lights shining to the rear that are not red (except indicators); or
••• any red light showing to the front.
Your motorcycle’s roadworthiness should be checked every time before you ride. Basic
mechanical
checkschecks
don’t need
mechanic
to conduct
them and
can
becan
done
an
Basic mechanical
don’taneed
a mechanic
to conduct
them
and
beby
done
informed
novice.novice.
by an informed
Not conducting
conducting the
the roadworthiness
roadworthiness checks
checks can
can be
be
Not
potentially life
life threatening.
threatening.
potentially
Regular maintenance will keep your motorcycle roadworthy and the vehicle will have a
lower
emission.
As a minimum
you should
the following
checks every
have aexhaust
lower exhaust
emission.
As a minimum
you perform
should perform
the following
time
before
you
ride.
If you
are
unsure
of the
any
feature of
of
checks
every
time
before
you
ride.
If you
are operation
unsure of or
thecondition
operationofor
condition
your
motorcycle,
check
the manufacturer’s
manual or seekmanual
qualified
any feature
of your
motorcycle,
check the manufacturer’s
or advice.
seek qualified
advice.
Check 1 - TYRES
Check 1 - TYRES
Tyres should always be checked prior
to
riding.
Put the
motorcycle
on a prior
Tyres
should
always
be checked
stand
to allow
themotorcycle
wheels to rotate.
to riding.
Put the
on a
Check
the
wearthe
indicators
and
look
stand to
allow
wheels to
rotate.
for
any the
damage
objects that
Check
wear or
indicators
and may
look
have
pierced
theor
tyre.
If anythat
damage
for any
damage
objects
may
or
wear
is detected,
replace
tyre/s
have
pierced
the tyre.
If any the
damage
before
the motorcycle
or wearriding
is detected,
replace to
theavoid
tyre/sa
blowout.
before riding the motorcycle to avoid a
blowout.
The sidewalls of the tyres should not
have
any cuts,of
cracks
or bumps,
The sidewalls
the tyres
should ifnot
detected
tyre
should
replaced
have anythe
cuts,
cracks
or be
bumps,
if
before
riding
If your
detected
the the
tyremotorcycle.
should be replaced
tyres
unevenly
there may
be a
beforewear
riding
the motorcycle.
If your
problem
with
the steering,
tyre pressure
or steering,
suspension.
tyres wear
unevenly
there alignment,
may be a problem
with the
alignment, tyre
pressure or suspension.
Tyres must be in good condition and have a tread at least 1.5 mm deep across the
tread
Motorcycles
must and
not have re-grooved
tyres,
unless
the tyre
wasthe
Tyres surface.
must be in
good condition
a tread at least
1.5
mm deep
across
manufactured
be re-grooved.
tread surface. toMotorcycles
must not have re-grooved tyres, unless the tyre was
manufactured to be re-grooved.
If you have had new tyres fitted, take extra care until the shiny surface is worn off as
they
be had
verynew
slippery.
If youcan
have
tyres fitted, take extra care until the shiny surface is worn off as
they can be very slippery.
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Check 2 - TYRE PRESSURE
Check 2 - TYRE PRESSURE
Tyre pressure is critical to a
Tyre pressure is critical to a
motorcycle’s handling. Under-inflated
motorcycle’s handling. Under-inflated
tyres significantly increase the risk of
tyres significantly increase the risk of
crashing.
crashing.
Check tyre pressure in both tyres with
Check tyre pressure in both tyres with
a tyre gauge. This is best done when
a tyre gauge. This is best done when
the tyres are cold and before you ride.
the tyres are cold and before you ride.
Make sure the pressure is within the
Make sure the pressure is within the
manufacturer’s recommendations or
manufacturer’s recommendations or
they may overheat and fail.
they may overheat and fail.
Remember
you are
are carrying
carrying a
a
Remember that
that ifif you
pillion
passenger
or
a
load
of
gear
you
pillion passenger or a load of gear you may need to increase the tyre pressure. Your
may
need tomechanic,
increase the
pressure.
Your motorcycle
mechanic,
supplieryou
or
motorcycle
tyretyre
supplier
or owner’s
manual should
be abletyre
to advise
owner’s
manual
should
be
able
to
advise
you
about
the
best
pressure
to
use.
about the best pressure to use.
Tyre
be checked
checked regularly,
regularly, at
at least
least every
every two
two weeks.
weeks. IfIf your
your tyres
tyres
Tyre pressure
pressure should
should be
wear
unevenly,
there
may
be
a
problem
with
the
steering,
alignment
suspension
or tyre
tyre
wear unevenly, there may be a problem with the steering, alignment suspension or
pressure.
pressure.
Check
TENSION
Check 3
3 -- CHAIN
CHAIN TENSION
By
rear wheel
wheel you
you will
will be
be
By rotating
rotating the
the rear
able
to
detect
any
tight
spots
in
your
able to detect any tight spots in your
drive
the correct
correct chain
chain
drive chain.
chain. For
For the
adjustment,
you
should
consult
your
adjustment, you should consult your
motorcycle
or owner’s
owner’s
motorcycle mechanic
mechanic or
manual.
adjusting the
the chain
chain
manual. When
When adjusting
tension,
find
the
tightest
spot
and
tension, find the tightest spot and
make
as per
per instruction
instruction
make the
the adjustment
adjustment as
in
Riding with
with a
a slack
slack or
or
in the
the manual.
manual. Riding
worn
chain
can
cause
the
rear
wheel
worn chain can cause the rear wheel
to
to lock.
lock. If
If you
yourmotorcycle
motorcyclehas
hasaashaft
shaft
drive,
oil leaks
leaks at
at the
the seals
seals
drive, check
check for
for oil
and
and hub.
hub.
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Check 4 - LUBRICATE THE CHAIN
Make sure you apply lubricant to the
pivot points and avoid any overspray
going onto the tyres or brake rotor. It
is best to oil the chain when it is hot.
If you are on a long trip over several
days, it is suggested that the chain be
oiled at the end of every day.
Check 5 - BRAKE PADS FOR WEAR
A quick look into the calliper should let
you know if there is sufficient material
left on the pads. If you are unsure
as to their wear level, consult your
motorcycle mechanic.
Check 6 - LEVEL OF ENGINE OIL
Make sure that the level of the engine
oil is between the high and low marks
on the inspection window or the
dipstick. Overfilling the engine with oil
can cause oil leaks.
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66
Check
Check 77 -- LEVEL
LEVEL OF
OF BRAKE
BRAKE FLUID
FLUID
Check
Check the
the level
level of
of break
break fluid
fluid on
on both
both
the
front
and
rear
master
cylinder
the front and rear master cylinder
reservoirs.
reservoirs. On
On motorcycles
motorcycles with
with
hydraulic
hydraulic clutches
clutches check
check that
that the
the fluid
fluid
level
on
the
clutch
master
cylinder
level on the clutch master cylinder
reservoir
reservoir is
is between
between the
the high
high and
and the
the
low
low marks.
marks.
Check
Check 88 -- LEVEL
LEVEL OF
OF COOLANT
COOLANT
Check
Check the
the level
level of
of coolant
coolant in
in the
the
coolant
coolant reservoir
reservoir tank
tank (liquid
(liquid cooled
cooled
motorcycles
motorcycles only).
only). Top
Top itit up
up ifif
required.
required.
Check
Check 99 -- FORK
FORK LEGS
LEGS
Check
Check the
the fork
fork legs
legs especially
especially around
around
the
the fork
fork seals.
seals. There
There should
should not
not be
be
any
any evidence
evidence of
of fork
fork oil
oil leakage.
leakage.
Leaking
Leaking oil
oil on
on aa tyre
tyre or
or brakes
brakes is
is aa
major
major safety
safety concern.
concern.
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Check 10 - ELECTRICS
Check whether all of the electrics
are working properly, including the
lights, high and low beam, all of the
indicators, brake lights, both front and
rear brakes and the horn.
Also, check your battery and if the fluid
level is low, fill it to just above the cell
plates with distilled water.
Check 11 - CABLES
Check cables where fitted e.g. clutch,
brakes and accelerator for signs
of fraying or wear and lubricate as
required with oil or grease where
appropriate. Regular lubrication will
prevent the cables from wearing and
stiff operation.
In addition to regular checks, all
motorcycles need regular servicing.
The bike’s manual will suggest times
when the motorcycle needs a service.
The service will require specialist
knowledge or tools and should be
conducted by a professional motorcycle mechanic.
6.1.7
6.1.7
Riding a Borrowed Motorcycle
Increased caution is required when riding a borrowed motorcycle, every motorcycle
handles differently and it is much easier to make mistakes on an unfamiliar motorcycle.
If you decide to borrow a motorcycle, before you attempt to ride it, you should
always ensure that you know how to operate the controls and switches and that the
motorcycle is both safe and roadworthy. It is also your responsibility to make sure the
motorcycle is licensed.
It is an offence to lend a vehicle to a person who
is not authorised to drive or ride it.
The best solution is not to lend or borrow a motorcycle.
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6.1.8
Maintaining Appropriate Riding Posture
When you first get a motorcycle adjust the controls to suit your height and build.
Correct riding posture reduces fatigue and improves control. To control a motorcycle
efficiently, your body must be in the correct position.
The five key points of riding posture that apply to all types of motorcycles are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
sit well forward;
keep your head up and point your chin in your direction of travel;
relax your arms and place minimal weight on your wrists;
keep your back relaxed and support your weight with your stomach muscles; and
grip the motorcycle firmly with your legs and knees.
Keep your head up and
point your chin in your
direction of travel
Keep your back relaxed
and support your
weight with your
stomach muscles
Sit well forward
Relax your arms and
place minimal weight on
your wrists
Grip the motorcycle
firmly with your legs
and knees
6.1.9
Adapting your Riding to Hazardous Weather Conditions
Although WA does not experience the same extreme weather conditions as some
other countries, you should be prepared for a variety of conditions on the road. Safe
riding requires you to always ride in such a way that you are able to stop in the
distance you can see to be clear. This will vary with the density of traffic and, to a large
extent, with weather conditions, including bright sun, fog, rain and high winds.
••
Bright sunshine may cause significant dazzle. When the sun is shining in your
mirrors, adjust them to give you the best visibility with the minimum of glare. When
overtaking, be aware that other road users in front of you have difficulties with
seeing behind.
••
Sunrise or Sunset will make it hard for you to be seen by other drivers,
irrespective of whether you put the lights on and wear brightly coloured protective
gear. You must exercise extreme caution when riding at these times.
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••
Heat Haze on open roads can hide approaching vehicles from view. Make sure
that the path is clear before you overtake other vehicles, especially long vehicles.
••
Fog reduces riders’ perception of speed and visibility. It also encourages riders to
closely follow a vehicle in front in order to see the vehicle lights ahead. You must
adjust your speed to the density of the fog. Riding in the fog is tiring, so watch for
the signs of fatigue and take more rest if necessary, see section 6.1.1 for more
information.
••
Rain can significantly reduce visibility. When riding in the rain:
••
--
Remember that after a long dry spell followed by rain the roads usually
become very slippery and your stopping distances will be much longer. You
should therefore, ride very carefully and slow down.
--
A film of water can build up between the tyres and the road which is known
as ‘aquaplaning’. This can result in a lack of control and lighter than normal
steering. To avoid aquaplaning, you should keep your speed down. If you do
aquaplane ease the throttle off smoothly.
--
Avoid painted arrows and road markings as they are usually very slippery.
If your rear wheel starts to skid as you accelerate, you must ease off the
throttle to gain control.
--
If you ride through a deep puddle you should ride slowly in a low gear and
after you are clear of the water, test that your brakes work effectively.
--
If the spray from vehicles ahead makes it difficult for you to see, you should
drop back until you can see clearly.
High winds can cause strong gusts on entering or emerging from under bridges,
crossing an open valley and riding into open country. High winds can cause
vehicles, especially high sided ones, to veer suddenly. A slip stream may result
where smaller vehicles are pulled towards the larger vehicle during overtaking. In
such situations you may need to counter high winds by using a firm grip on the
handlebars and considering leaning the motorcycle into the wind to compensate
for the sideways force.
When riding in windy conditions keep your speed down as wind buffeting can
affect the handling of your motorcycle.
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6.1.10 Planning your Route
In order to have an easier and pleasant journey with less stress, it is recommended
you plan your route before starting out. Avoid busy times if possible and allow plenty of
time for potential hold-ups, especially if you have an appointment to keep. Media traffic
reports can be of great assistance.
Where you are unfamiliar with the area or route, it is a good idea to plan ahead with
the use of any of the following;
••
••
••
••
a map;
satellite navigation equipment;
motoring organisation information; and
using an internet route planner.
6.2
Riding at Night
At night there are significantly less vehicles on the road, but visibility is lower than
during the daytime. Headlights will not show the rider a road as clearly as daylight will.
Also, other road users may have trouble in seeing a headlight or tail light because of
other lights. While riding at night, motorcycle riders are advised to take extra care and
apply safety measures.
••
••
••
••
••
••
Riders must ensure that they can see as clearly as possible. Therefore riders
should avoid wearing a dark tinted or scratched visor or tinted glasses.
Riders need to be able to stop within the distance they can see ahead.
Riders can use high beam for extra seeing distance, except when within 200
metres of another vehicle.
Riders may need to slow down and look off centre if an on-coming vehicle has not
dipped its high beam.
Riders must ensure they can be seen on the road.
Riders should ride more slowly at night to give themselves more time to read the
road and react to any potential hazards.
Make sure that any reflectors and all indicators and other
lights on your motorcycle are clean.
Wear a reflective vest when you ride at night.
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REVIEW QUESTIONS
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
If you lose
concentration
whilst riding, what
else is likely to
occur?
What should you
do if you need
cough medicine
prior to riding?
What is the
minimum permitted
tread depth on any
tyre before it is
considered illegal?
What is
recommended
for cleaning your
helmet?
You will have quick
reflexes
Your reaction time
will be slower
You will feel ill
Ask your doctor,
pharmacist
or check the
medicine label
to see if it could
affect your riding
1.7mm
Take the medicine
an hour before
riding
Ride if you feel
alright
1.0mm
1.5mm
Industrial cleaner
White spirits
Mild soapy water